Hodgson’s predecessor Fabio Capello had previously been critical of the former Newcastle United man, insisting Carroll "needs to drink less than the others", leading the new England boss to speak with Dalglish.

"The profile Andy Carroll brings interests me very much and I spoke to Kenny at some length about him," Hodgson told reporters. "I didn’t know him too much and you can be tricked by perceptions of players - by what you hear or read about them - but Kenny praised him for being serious as a professional, so I had no reservations.

"The conversation with Kenny maybe put my mind to rest with regards to the criticism he’s faced for extra-footballing activities. That was very important for me."

Carroll has been praised for his form towards the end of the season, something that definitely swung Hodgson’s decision to include him in his final squad of 23 for Euro 2012.

"I'd like to think I’ve been in the game long enough not to fall for the trick of seeing someone have a great game and giving him an England shirt," Hodgson added. "Andy will give me other options because of his target play and ability. He’s capable of making runs into the channels, can turn defenses around, and can do damage on crosses.

"It would be fair to say his late burst has maybe given him the nod. It’s hard for players who go to big clubs. It’s more important how he’s feeling at the moment and playing at the moment. I shouldn’t be confronting him with the failures of the early part of the season. I should be encouraging him for the successes of the latter part."